By AC Wimmer
CNA Newsroom, Apr 27, 2025 / 21:48 pm
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, British Columbia, is calling for prayer after a deadly car-ramming attack claimed at least 11 lives during a Filipino heritage celebration in the Canadian city.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic events that took place yesterday during the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver,” Archbishop Miller said in his April 27 statement. “What should have been a joyful gathering to honour Filipino heritage has been overshadowed by sorrow and shock.”
A man drove an SUV into crowds attending the Filipino community’s Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring more than 20 others.
Vancouver Police said they arrested a 30-year-old suspect at the scene after the incident, which occurred around 8:14 p.m. local time.
Interim Police Chief Steve Rai told journalists the attack is not believed to be terrorism-related, noting the unnamed suspect was known to “police and healthcare professionals related to mental health.”
The street festival celebrated Datu Lapu-Lapu, a national hero of the Philippines.
“The Filipino community is a vibrant and faith-filled part of our archdiocese,” said Archbishop Miller.
